Over the decades John has produced a long line of successful horses that have gone on to compete at the highest level not only in showjumping, but also eventing and showing. Horses of note from the past include the exceptional mare Courtway, bought by John as an unbroken 3 year old in Ireland, John won the prestigious Foxhunter Final at Horse of the Year Show in 1982. Michael Whitaker then took over the ride and the pair enjoyed victories in speed classes both nationally and abroad, including Spruce Meadows.
Perhaps the most famous/successful of all of John’s horses is Warren Point, who was second in the 1983 Foxhunter Final with John on board, before Michael Whitaker competed him at World Cup and Nations Cup level. Career highlights include European Championship Team Gold medalist 1985 in Dinard, World Championship Team Silver medalist 1986 in Aachen and a spectacular win at the Horse of the Year Show Grand Prix with a breathtaking gallop to the finish.